Are You a Leader or a Manager? And How Can You Tell?

In the journey of career growth, understanding the distinctions between leadership and management can significantly empower women to navigate their paths with intention. By recognizing and balancing both roles, women can rise within their organizations, aligning their strengths with both vision-setting and execution.

1. Vision vs. Execution

Leadership is inherently visionary—it’s about setting a long-term direction and inspiring others to follow. Women in leadership often excel by leveraging emotional intelligence, building collaboration, and fostering creativity within their teams. They can articulate a bigger picture, motivating teams to rally around a shared purpose.

Example: In a med spa setting, a female leader might envision the business evolving into a community wellness hub, where clients experience holistic care. This leader inspires her team with a vision that connects their work to a broader purpose. On the other hand, a manager in that same organization ensures that the day-to-day operations, staffing, schedules, and resources align with moving toward that goal. Managers excel in turning vision into actionable steps, ensuring the team's daily activities contribute toward the larger goal.

2. Influence vs. Authority

Leadership is about influence—motivating others through trust, respect, and vision rather than relying on formal authority. Many women in leadership rely on their ability to inspire and connect deeply with their teams, creating an environment of loyalty and engagement. They foster a culture where people are eager to contribute because they believe in the mission.

On the other hand, managers depend on authority to ensure that tasks are completed and goals are met. They focus on oversight, process management, and accountability, ensuring that performance metrics and deadlines are respected.

Example: A woman in a leadership role might inspire her staff by demonstrating vulnerability and authenticity, fostering a deep connection with her team. In contrast, a manager might ensure tasks are completed on time by reinforcing deadlines and measuring performance. Both influence and authority are crucial, but the emphasis on one versus the other can shape how someone approaches team dynamics.

3. Change Orientation vs. Stability Focus

Leaders thrive on change—they are the ones driving innovation and pushing boundaries. Women leaders, in particular, often embrace inclusivity and growth-oriented thinking, creating environments that foster new ideas and progressive changes. They excel at adapting to challenges and inspiring their teams to pursue continuous improvement.

In contrast, managers focus on maintaining stability. They ensure that systems and processes run smoothly without interruption, making them guardians of efficiency. While leaders push for transformation, managers ensure that these changes are adopted without derailing existing workflows.

Example: A female leader might champion diversity and inclusion initiatives, pushing for organizational change to reflect these values. A manager ensures that the team can adapt to these new initiatives within the established operational frameworks, ensuring productivity remains intact.

The Importance of Both Leadership and Management

Simon Sinek says, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” This quote perfectly illustrates the balance between leadership and management. Both aspects are essential in any organization. By understanding the nuances between vision-setting leadership and process-oriented management, women can strategically balance both roles as they climb the ladder.

Finding your groove between leadership and management is about embracing your strengths in both areas. One is not more important than the other—they complement each other in guiding teams and achieving success.

At the end of the day, leadership and management are interconnected. While some women may naturally gravitate toward one role over the other, the ability to blend both can be a superpower. So, which one resonates with you? And how can you cultivate the skills to step into both as you rise in your career?

We’re rooting for you to step into your full potential, balancing leadership and management with confidence and grace. 🌟